Automatic telephone selector-switch.



No; 815,321. PATENTED MAR. 13, 1906. A; E. KEITH &YJ. & C. J. ERICKSON.

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SELECTOR SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED MAYZ, 1905.

8 SHEETSSHEET 1.

No. 815,321. PATENTED MAR. 13, 1906.

A. E. KEITH & J. & C. J. ERICKSON.

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SELECTOR SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED MAYZ, 1905.

8 SHEETSr-SHEET 2.

5 r l 1 W" II II! IH .5 Inn HIIIIH No. 815,321. PATENTED'MAR. 13, 1906.

A. E. KEITH E J. & c. J. ERIOKSON. AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SELECTOR SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED KAYZ, 1905J I 8 SHEETS-BHEET 3 @W iazvzqw.

. No. 8151321. y PATENTEDMARJB, 1906. Y

A. B. KEITH & J. & C. J. ERIGKSON. AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SELECTOR SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED MAYZ. 1905.

8 SHEBTSSHBBT 4.

No. 815,321 PATENTED MAR. 13, 1906. A. E. KEITH & J. & G. J. ERIGKSON.

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SELECTOR SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED MAYZ, 1905.

8 SHEETS SHEET 5.

No. 815,321. EATENTED MAR. 13, 1906. A. B. KEITH & J. & 0. J. ERIGKSON.

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SELECTOR SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED MAYZ, 1905.

8 SHEETSSHEET 6 I No. 815,321. PATENTED MARY13, 1906.

A. E. KEITH & J; & c. J. ERIOKSON.

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SELECTOR SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED MAYZ, 1905.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

- PATBNTED MAR. 1a, 1906. A. E. KEITH & J. & 0. JQERIOKSON. AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SELECTOR SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 2, 1905.

8 SHEETS-SHEET s.

nxniti k UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALEXANDER E. KEITH, JOHN ERICKSON, AND CHARLES J. ERICKSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORS TO AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SELECTOR-SWITCH.

Specification of Letters Patent. i

Patented March 13,1906.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that W8,ALEXANDER E.KEITI-I, JoHN ERIoKsoN, and CHARLES J. ERICKSON, citizens of the United States of America, and residents of Chicago, Cook county, Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement-in Automatic Telephone Selector- Switches, of which the following is a specification.

selectors and are so designated when they are employed to receive the electrical im ulse or impulses representing the first digit 0 any subscribers number. Again, these selectors are known as second selectors and when so referred to are employed for receiving the electrical impulse or impulses representing the second digit of any subscribers number. Should the exchange be of considerable sizesay one in which the subscribers numbers range as high as five di 'ts-some of these selector-switches wou d be known as third selectors, inasmuch as they receive the elec trical impulse or impulses representing the third digit of any subscribers number. It is evident that the mechanism of our improved selector-switch is applicable to either first,'

second, or third selectors or fourth or fifth selectors, according to the size of the exchange. As will hereinafter more fully appear, certain features of our improved automatic switching device are also applicable to switches of the same general type, but which are for certain well-known reasons referred to as connectorsthat is to say, switches which res ond to the electrical impulses representing t 1e last two digits of any subscribers number and which make the final connection directly with the called-subscribers line.

As a selector or even as a connector it will be seen that the essential feature consists of a rotatable and endwise-movable switch-shaft, together with switch arms or wipers mounted upon said shaft and adapted to engage the usual semicircular banks of contacts.

The machine or switch as a whole involves suitable electromagnetically-actuated mechanism for steppin the shaft vertically to any desired level-of t e bank-contacts, it being understood that these contacts are arran ed in rows one above theother; The step-bystep or ratchet mechanism with which the switch is provided can also be. employed for rotating the shaft in a step-by-step manner at any desired level; but, as will hereinafter more full appear, this rotary step-by'-step motion 0 the shaft is, when the switch is used as a selector, automatic in character and is not under the control of the calling subscriber. In such case, however, the-calling subscriber has control of the step by-step mechanism to the extent necessary to enable him to cause the said shaft to move or step up to any desired level, according to the character of the first digit ofrthe called number; but as explained and after the calling subscriber has caused the selector to bring its shaftwipers up to the desired levelthat is to say, up to the desired row of contactsthe switch then continues its operation automatically and without the direct control of the subscriber for the purpose of automatically selecting an idle trunk-line leading to another selector or to a connector or to some other device, according to the size and character of the exchange. Obviously the electromagnetically-actuated switch or mechanism of the machine must include means for insuring the desired mode of operation of the switch as, for example, when employed by a calling subscriber in automatically selecting an idle trunk-line leadin to the desired group of second selectors, third selectors, or connectors, as the case may be; but it will also be seen 5 that 1provision must be made whereby the switc can be operated to the desired posi- 1 tion and made to remain in such condition during conversation between two subscribers, but then released by some act on the part of one of the subscribers after the conversation is terminated. Again, when used as a selector the switch must in addition to its function of making connection with an idle trunk-line perform the further office of establishing such a guarding potential at all other terminals connected with such line as will preclude seizure thereof by some other subscriber, and, furthermore, and if employed as a first selector, provision must be made for creating such a guarding potential at all terminals at the calling-subscribers line as will preclude a cutting in on this line by other subscribers while the-same is in use. In other words, regardless of whether the switch is to be employed as a first, second, third, or other selector, means are desirably provided for enabling the switches to protect the lines in use against seizure by other subscribers when such lines are in use and in each case to rotect the line leading from it and with whic it has made connection against seizure b other subscribers. These and other desira le features or requirements will hereinafter more fully appear.

Generally stated, the object of our invention is the provision of an improved, simplified, and highly-efhcient switching-machine of the foregoing 'eneral character.

Certain speciaf objects are to provide, in combination with the other elements, the improved cast frame for mounting the operative parts of the switchinglmechanism to provide, in combination with the other elements, improved flat adjustable springs forretaining the so-called vertical and rotary armatures of the so-called vertical and rotary magnets in their normal positions; to provide, in combination with the other elements. an improved flat spring and a novel arrangement for fastening the same in lace for pressing the rigidly-connected loc ingdogs against the so-called vertical and rotary ratchet-teeth carried by the rotary switch-shaft to provide, in combination with the other elements, an improved arrangement involving a screw having a lock-nut and which passes through a lug in the frame and acts as a guide for the rotary pawl-that is, the pawl carried by the armature of the rotary magnet and which actuates the rotary ratchet-teeth carried by the shaft; to provide, in combination with the other elements, an improved stop for the said pawl of the socalled rotary magnet, to provide,.in combination with the other elements, improved means for separating the banks of contacts and for holding the same in place and for insuring easy and effective adjustment thereof.

It is also an object, of course, to provide certain details and features of construction, improved combinations, and matters of improvement tending to increase the general efficiency and serviceability of an automatic step-by-step telephone-switching machine or mechanism of this particular character.

As previously stated and as will hereinafter more fully appear, many of the objects of our invention and many of the features of improvement are ap licable to the so-called connectors, as wel as to a selector such as herein shown and described.

To the foregoing and other useful ends, however, our invention consists in matters hereinafter set forth and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figures 1, 2, and 3 are respectively a left-hand side elevation, a front elevation, and a right-hand clevation of an automatic step-by-step switching-machine embodying the principles of our invention, the said switch in this instancebeing what is commonly known as a selector. Fig. 4 is an enlarged side elevation of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a horizontal section on line 5 5 in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a detail of a portion of the mechan-- ism shown in Fig. 5, showing the rotary pawl in engagement with the rotary ratchet-teeth. Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are each a detail of the ratchet or escapement mechanism of the so-called side switch and illustrate different conditions or positions of the same. Figs. 12, 13, 14, and 15 are each a detail of the end of the interrupter-arm and of the switch-springs operated thereby and show different conditions or positions of the same. Fig. 16 is a detail side elevation of a portion of the vertical stepby-step mechanism and shows the releasing devices and the rigidly-connected lockingdogs. Fig. 17 is a front view of the devices shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a view'of the other side of the devices shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 19 is a view of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 17, but showing the same in a different position. Figs. 20 and 21 are each a perspective of the link employed for connecting the armature of the release-magnet with the two rigidly-connected lockingdogs and show the said link in different positions relatively to the small projection on the double locking-dog which it is adapted to engage. Fig. 22 is a detail plan of the so-called normalpost switch and the clock-spring device for returning the shaft to its normal position. Fig. 23 is a detail vertical sectlon on line 23 23 in Fig. 22. Fig. 24 1s a back view of the jack-springs whic 1 are attached to the switch structure and which are adapted to engage the stationary jack-springs secured to the rack or other support upon which the switches are mounted. Fig. 25 is a section on line 25 25 in Fig. 24. Fig. 26 is a perspective of one of said jack-sprmgs. Flg. 27 is a perspective of one of the stationary j ack spr1ngsthat is, one of the ack-springs secured to the rack or support on wlnch the switches are mounted. Fig. 28 is a side view of the jack-spring shown in Fig 27, show ng its support in section. Fig. 29 1s a face vlew of the structure shown in Fig. 28. Fig. 30 1s a detail view showing the manner in whlch a jack-spring on the rack or support receives one of the jack-springs on the structure of the switch. Fig. 31 is a detail plan of the soca e ide witeh, ow ng e a n pa s ur es and shows the principal parts of the mec in horizontal section. Fig. 31" is a etail view of the clock-spring device. Fig. 32 is to Fig. 31, but showing side switch insecend position. Fig. 33 shows the d witch in thirdr iQn- Fig- 4 i a tt m p a n bf he S146. switch as ha n Fig 31, showing portion ofthe supportin -frame. F g. 35 1s a side view of the s1 e-switch armsor wipers and the stationary contacts for the same: Fig. 36 is a detail view showing the key or device to which the lower end of the side-switch sprin is secured and by which the tension of t e latter is regulated. Fig. 37 is a perspective of the said side switch,showing the side-switch wipers and contacts removed. Fig. 38 is a d t i i f he ve i a e yt p me anism, showing adjacent parts in section.

39 is a view similar to Fig. 38, but showing the parts in a different position. Fig. 40 is a front view of the vertical ste -by-step mechanismand adjacent parts. F1 41 is a side view of the vertical ratchet-teet showing the vertical groove or channel in same. Fig. 42 is a horizontal section on line 42 42 in Fi 41. Fi 43 is a detail section of the circu ar teeth sown in Fig. 41, showing the support ng dog in enga ement with the said teeth. Fig. 44 is a p an view ofone of the line-contact hanks, showing the switch-shaft and the bankksupporting rods in horizontal ee i n and One .ef th Shaf p was t Inal position. Fig. 45 is a vertical section thrbugh he ga led P i a -b nk ntact. 46 1s a perspective of one of the nd P e es of th bank shown in F gi 47 is a detail sectional view of the privatesh lft wiper. Fi 48 is a similar view of one of the line-shat wipers. Fig. 49 is a verticel fletien on 1 49 9i g- 44- g- 5.0 is an, 9nd View ofone of the line banks. Fig. .1 i a P s ecti of .1 of h rings r co for supportingand separating the contactbanks. Fig. 52 is adetail section of one of the hanksupporting rods, showing the application of the collar shown in Fig. 51. 53 is a view Similar to Fig. 52 and illustrates the method of ap lying or adjusting the said ring into place. ig. 54 illustrates one method of w ring 9 onnee in' e a et a e ys. and switches, &c. sown int 1e preceding filganism 1 per p c iv As illustrated, the switch is ada ted for use as a selector e'ither first, secon or third, as the case may beand comprises a as r msA a a t d e' ppo h eta hie and vertically-movable switch-shaft B and other operative parts in suitable posi trans. As previously explained, a switch of th s character is designed for use as a medi urn which'a' telephone subscriber may estab h onn ctiqn be en his n and a trunk-lineor between a trunk-line already onn ted ith his ne and anather t line, according as the switch'is as a first, second, or third selector. ,More strictly Spe k ng he wi h er inspecting a subscribers line with any one of a number of trunk-lines or for connecting a trunk-line with any one of another group of trunk-lines corn" rises the upper and lower banks O'and D of inc-contacts, together with the switch arms or shaft-wipers c and d,'the latter bein mounted upon said shaft. As illustrate these two banks of contacts are semicircular inform, each comprising five superimposed V semicircular rows of "line-terrninals, which are suitably insulated from each other and each of which consists of a pair of contacts co ne ted w h Opp ite idef m t trunk-line. These line-terminals c and d are of the charactershown-more clearly in the line-bank C and the pair d to the linebank D. The two line-banks thus provided real y ons itute ne b n divided in w sections, inasmuch as the constructionillustrated involves one line-terminals ar ange i t p mpp d i emi ii' u rows of ten terminals each. Consequently, andin order to obtain compactness and avoid cross-talk and secure other advantages, the line-terminals connected with the one hundred trunk-lines leading from the switch are dividedinto two rou'psv and each grou I constitutin as state a bank; but in the ank D the ve superimposed rows of trunk-line terminals represent the first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth levels of the switch, while the terminals of the bank C represent the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and

IIO

tenth levels, or the zero-level," as the uppermost or last level is sometimes called, of the switching apparatus as a whole. In other words, the two pairs of shaft-wi ers c and d are adapted to operate in ten distinct levels or horizontal planes, the relative arrange- I ment of the said wipers and rows oi termirials being such that when'the lower pair cl of in -w p is Op ra i n he fi st level the upper air cis out of use and swinging around in a p ane just below the row of terminals representing the second level of the switch with the first or lowermost horizontal row in t e bank 0 on the ther ee wh n the pair 0 of line-shaft wipers is working in the said second level of terminals the lower pair (1 is then out of use andmoving in a horizontal plane between the first and second horizontal rows of terminals in the bank I)that is, between the rows of terminals representing the first and third levels of the switch. It will be readily understood that the shaft-wipers are insulated from the shaft and that the members of each pair are insulated from each other, and in use the upper members of the two pairs are connected together and represent one side of the line-circuit, while the lower members of the two pairs are connected together and allotted to the other side or parallel limb of the circuit. In this way the switch is capable of establishing any one of substantially a hundred possible connections, as will hereinafter more fully appear. As shown, the said line-banks are supported by rods or hangers a, the latter being arran ed vertically at each side of the switch shaftB and having their upper ends rigidly secured to the lower portion a of the frame. The so-called private bank" E is similar in general form and construction to the other banks, but contains ten horizontal rows of contacts instead of five, and as another distinction each horizontal row of contacts in this private bank is made up of ten terminals, each consisting of a single contact, as shown more clearly in Fig. 45. In this way each line-terminal has a corresponding terminal or contact in the private bank, the object and function of these private-bank contacts being hereinafter more fully described. Like the line-terminals in the line-banks, the private-bank contacts are all suitably insulated from each other, and in each case the contacts, with their interposed insulation, are clamped together by means of bolts and upper and lower clamping-plates. For examle and as shown in Fig. 45 the rivateank contacts e, together with their inter posed insulation, are clamped between upper and lower plates 6 and a the latter being drawn and held together by means of clamping screws or bolts 6 Each line-bank, as shown in Fig. 49, has its contacts suitably insulated from each other and held in fixed relaative positions, the whole being held,and clamped together by means of bolts and screws 0 and upper and lower clampingplates 0 and 0 Preferably the end of each ine-bank is provided with a brass covering-v platesuch, for example, as the notched plate 0 shown in Figs. 46 and 50as a provision of this character appears to have a beneficial effect in reducing static action and cross-talk. The private-shaft wiper c is single in character, inasmuch as it only engages one contact at a time and is removably secured to the shaft B and suitably insulated therefrom. (See Fig. 47.)

As shown in Fig. 48, each pair of line-shaft wipers comprises an upper and lower switcharm or movable contact, the two being insulated by interposed insulation and the whole being suitably clamped to the shaft B and insulated therefrom. These shaft-wipers may be of any suitable form or character, but are preferably of the shape and construction shown more clearly in Fig. 44, each wiper comprising a pair of superimposed strips of sheet metal, having their enlarged or middle portions suitably clamped to the shaft and provided at their rear or outer ends with terminals for making solder or other wire connections. The contact end of each wiper (private or line consists of the slightly-separated end portions of the two superimposed pieces of metal, the same being ada )ted to receive and engage the upper an lower surfaces of the terminals, either private or line, as the case may be. In this way each line-shaft wiper has an upper member or switch-arm adapted to connect the socalled vertical line conductor of the subscribers line with the corresponding side or line conductor of the desired trunk-line, and each line-wiperalso has a lower member or switch-arm adapted to connect the socallec rotary line conductor of the subscribers line with the corresponding side or line conductor of the said trunk-line, and if the switch is used as a second, third, 6120., selector then the opposite sides of one trunkline are connected, through the medium of the two members of either line-wiper, with corresponding sides of another trunk-line. It will be understood that the relative arrangement of the shaft-wipers is such that each time a line-wiper engages a line-terminal the private wiper enga es the corresponding contact in the private bank. Preferably the three banks of contacts are removably mounted upon the said rods a, and the arrangement is such that they can be readily adjusted thereon, so as to insure the correct or neces sary (position of each bank-terminal to its allotte shaft-wiper. Furthermore, by making the banks se arate and each removable as a unit from t 1e balance of the structure the manufacture and repairing of the switch is greatly facilitated. As shown, the banks are separated from each other and clam ed firmly in lace by means of s lit collars ike the one s own in Fig.51. t will be seen that each collar (1 is adapted to fit and slide upon one of the vertical supportin rods or hangers a and is provided with a c ampingscrew 0 Furthermore, each collar is provided with an upwardl -extending and hookshaped lug a. It wil be observed that the upper and lower clamping-plates of the three banks have their end portions provided with openings adapted to receive the rods a, it being possible in this way to secure the rods to the frame A, and then insert the lower ends of the rods through the openings in the said lates. The private bank can be first adusted into place in this manner, and then the upper line-bank O, and finally the lower linebank D, and as soon as the private bank is adjusted to the desired position it is then clamped and held in place by the application to its lower clampingplate of two of the rings shown in Fig. 51. The method of applying these rings consists in slipping them upwardly upon the said rods (1 and then slightly rotating them until the lugs a engage the edges'of the lower clampinglate of the bank in the manner shown in ig's. 44 and 52 and as shown in Fig. 2. When thus applied, these hook-shaped lugs a reach upwardly and slightly over the end edges of the lower clamping-plate of the bank, and when the screws a are then tightened up the bank is locked or clamped firmly in place. A second pair of clamping-rings is t en applied in the same manner to thelower clamping late of the bank C, as shown in Fig. 2, an the third pair to the lower clamping-plate D. In this wa these rings a not only separate the banks from each other, but also clamp 0r firmly lock the same in lace upon the vertically-disposeld rods (1. ach bank is adjustable inde endently of the others, and consequently the correct position of each bank relatively to its allotted wiper is insured. N ormally the three wipers on the shaft remain out of use and at points just below the first level of the switch and in the position shown in Fig; 44. In order, therefore, to make connect'i on with the first line-terminal in the first level, the shaft must be given one vertical step and then one rotary step, as will hereinafter more fully appear.

The mechanism or electroma neticallyactuated machinery for operating t e switchcontacts thus constructed is as follows: As stated, the frame A is provided with lower laterally-projecting portions a for sup orting the stationary switch-contacts. t is also provided with a lower horizontal portion (1- w rich is inte ral with thesaid portion a and also with t e vertically-disposed back portion a. A shaft-bearing a. is secured to the under side ofthe frame, while a similar hearing a is secured to the to or upper portion a of the said frame. These bearings may be of suitable character and are adapted to support the shaft B in both its rotary and endwise movements. At its up er end the said shaft is provided with a cloc -spring device b, preferably of the character shown more clearly in Figs. 2 2 and 23'. As shown, the said device comprises a clock-spring I), having its inner end suitably secured to the stationary hub b -and its outer end secured to the shell or housing b The said shell or housing is secured to the'shaft by means of a screw or key 6, while the said hub is rigidly connected with an arm b held stationary by means of the so-called normal post I), which is secured to the top of the frame. The tension of the said spring is such as to normally hold the shaft-Wipers in the pfreviously deand lower bearings the said shaft with vert cal ratchet-teeth I) and with scribed positions and to return the same to their normal positions when the shaft is released from any position to which it may have been rotated for the purpose of makin the desired connection. The arm 5 is provided with a sto 1), adapted to be enga ed by the socalle "normal-post arm I), t e latterbeing rigidly secured to the shaft B by a clampingscrew or key device I)". Normally the arm b engages another downwardly-projecting stop u on the arm 12 just to the right of the norma post I)", so as to keep the shaft-wipers in their normal positions; but shouldthe shaft be rotated to the limit of its movement in such direction the arm 71 will then strike the stop b". In this Way the said lug on the arm 6 immediately to the right of the normal-post arm 1)" serves as a stop to limit the rotary return movement of the/shaft, while the lug or sto 6 serves to limit the operative rotation of t e shaft in thegdirection necessary for picking out and making connection with the proper trunk-line. It will be understood, of-course, that the stop 12 is only engaged by the arm b at such time as the shaft may have been caused to rotate to an extent suflicient to carry the shaft wipers clear across the banksthat is, to the end of any level. in which the shaft-wipers happen to be operating. This normal-post arm b has a further function, as it is provided with a piece of insulation b adapted to normally engage the intermediate sprin b of a spring-switch carried by the top of the frame. Consequently the said spring I) is normally in engagement with the lower spring b and out of engagement with the upper spring or con tact b. As soon as the shaft makes one vertical step, however, the spring!) is released, and thereby permitted to break contact with the spring I) and make contact with the spring or switch-contact b, as will hereinafter more fully appear. Between its upper is provided rotary ratchet-teeth 6 the 'latterbeing arranged below the former. BEtii t eiii the rotary ratchet-teeth b and thelower shaftbearing a the shaft is provided with a split sleeve b adapted normally to rest upon the u per surface of the bearing a and adapted a so to serve as a cam. or stop device for the hereinafter-described side switch. The so-' called vertical ratchet-teeth are preferably ten in-number and corres 0nd 'to the ten previously-described levelso the switch. The rotary ratchetteeth are suflicient in number to permit the shaft'to be given ten rotary ste s, it being remembered that each bankleve contains ten operative positionsthat is, ten positions formaking connection with as many different trunk lines. As

ICO

shown more clearly in Figs/1,16, 41, 42, and

4 3, the vertical ratchet-teeth are provided with a vertical and'longitudinally-extending channel I)". As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 40, 41, and 42, this channel is normally engaged at its upper end by the stationary supportingdog I), the latter being secured in any suitable manner to the vertical front portion a" of the frame. It will also be seen that this stationary supporting-dog normally engages that portion of the channel or groove b which is cut in the cylindric collar 1), thus preventing rotation of the shaft when the latter is in its normal position. As soon as the shaft is given-one vertical step, however, the collar b is raised to a oint where its under surface is at a level witfi the upper surface of the supporting-dog b, whereby the shaft if rotated after having been thus raised is received by the dog I) and supported in its rotary movements, as shown in Fig. 43. When the shaft is given two vertical steps,

the first circular tooth is raised to a level f where its under side is flush with the upper side of the sup orting-dog b, whereby the shaft, if rotated at such a level, will be received, as in the previous case, by the supporting-dog I) to carry the weight of said shaft during its rotation. In th1s way and regardless of the level to which the shaft is adjusted or stepped up the supporting-dog b is always ready to receive the shaft if rotated. Furthermore, theshaft can only move vertically when the stationary supporting or looking dog I) is in engagement with the groove or channel I). Consequently the u ward movement of the shaft always takes p ace before the wipers have been given any rotary movement and the downward or release movement of the shaft always takes place after the wipers have been rotated or swung completely out of engagement with the bank-contacts. Normally the two rigidlyconnected locking dogs 17 and b are out of engagement with the ratchet-teeth, the former being allotted to the vertical ratchet-teeth and the latter tothe rotary ratchet-teeth. These, two rigidly-connected locking-dogs are mounted to swing about a vertical axis and are provided with an arm 12 and a small upwardly-projecting, lug b, as shown in Figs. 18, 20, and 21. The double locking dog device thus provided can be made in any suitable manner and provided with bearings b affording the said vertical axis. The upper of said bearings preferably consists of an adjustable screw b whereby any wear or lost motion may be readily taken up. A spring b having its upper end screwfastened to the frame, is adapted to bear upon the structure of the two locking-dogs and to yieldingly hold the same in engagement with their respective ratchet-teeth when the switch is in operation. Whenever the shaft is given one vertical step, the locking-dog b so engages the under side of the first or uppermost ratchet-tooth as to support the shaft in its raised position, as shown in Fig. 19. If the shaft is given a second step, the said dog b en gages the second tooth, and so on. Thereleasemagnet F has its cores secured by a bracket f to the forward vertical portion of the frame,

the said magnet beingipreferably arranged in the space between t e vertical portions 0, and a of the frame and the horizontal portionsa. and a, and it will be seen that the cores of the said release-magnet are arranged horizontally one above the other. At the top the said frame is provided with ears a, containing pivot-screws adapted to engage the upper end of the armature f the latter being arranged in operative relation to the poles or free ends of the release magnet cores. The said armature is normally held away from the said release-magnet by a flat retracting-spring f the same having its upper end secured to the top of the frame by a screw 3 and having its lower end slightly notched and adapted to engage a lug f carried at the lower outwardly and upturned end portion of the said armature. Abracket f 5 is secured to the frame and provided with an adjustable screw f adapted to act as a stop for limiting the outward movement of the said armature. At its lower upturned portion the said armature is provided with a link f having its outer or free end formed with an opening f Normally the said opening f S engages the lug I), carried by the rigid structure of the two locking-dogs. Consequently the spring 7' not only keeps the armature f normally retracted, but also through the medium of the link f 7 maintains the two locking-dogs nor mally out of engagement with their respective ratchet-teeth. When energized in any suitable manner, the said magnet attracts its armature, and thereby pushes the opening into engagement with the projection b", and then when the magnet is deenergized the spring f retracts the armature, and thereby pulls the two locking-dogs b and I) out of engagement with their respective ratchetteeth. Referring to Figs. 38' to 43, inclusive, it will be seen that the socalled vertical magnet G has its upper end suitably secured to the under side of the frame portion a and oocupiesa position immediately back of the said release-magnet. The armature g of the said vertical magnet is preferably mounted to vibrate about a horizontal axis, it being provided with adjustable hearings or pivots g This armature g is provided with an L-shaped lug g", adapted to reach under the link so that when the said armature is attracted the said link is lifted out of engagement with the previously-described projection bf, and in this way the locking-dogs b and b are immediately released upon the energizing of.the magnet G. In addition the armature g is provided with an arm g, havingits end pivotally connected with a vertical ratchet-pawl g. As shown, this pawl is subject to the tension of a spring 9,

which is fastened to the rear end of the pawl at one end and to the arm 9 at its other end. Consequently the normal tendency of the pawl 9 is to enga e. the vertical ratchetteeth I). Pre'ferab however, the armature g is held normally retractedthat is, in the depressed position-by means of a flat spring 9, havin one end secured to the under side of the sai armature and its other end notched and adapted to engage the T-sha ed screw-threaded adjustable stop or mem er g. With this arrangement the said T- shaped screw threaded member g can be adjusted for the purpose of Varying the tension of the spring in'accordance with reuirements. Normally the pawl g engages t e guide g", which latter is stationary and secured in any suitable manner to the frame A; but when the armature g is attracted the pawl g is then forced by the spring 9 into engagement with the vertical ratchetteeth: n its upward movements the said awl is limited by the stop or ide which atter is also stationary and ,if esired may be simply a portion of the frame A. When the pawl strikes the stop g", the shaft is of course then looked against farther upward movement until the pawl is withdrawn and the vertical magnet again energized. (See Fig. 39.) With such construction the alternate attraction and release of the armature g is accompanied by an alternate engagement of the pawl g with and disenga ement from the vertical ratchet-teeth, resu ting in a vertical step-by-step movement of the shaft B. In other words, the shaft is given one vertical step each time the magnet G is energized, and the locking-dog I) promptly enga es the vertical ratchet-teeth, and thereby ho ds the shaft against downward movement while the spring g is retracting the armature g. Figs. 38, 40, and 41 Show'the shaft in its nor mal position; but in Fig. 39 the vertical magnet G is shown energized and the shaft B as having been stepped up to the sixth level.

The rotary step-by-step mechanism is shown more clearly in Figs. 4, 5, and 6. It

will be seen that the rotary magnet H is suitably secured to the back of the frame and arranged in a horizontal osition between the portions a and a of t e frame. The said magnet is provided with an armature h, which is pivotally mounted at h, and thus adapted to vibrate about a vertical axis. At its upper portion the said armature is provide with an arm h, having a pivotal connection with the ratchet-pawl h, the latter being subject to the tension of a spring h. This spring, it will be seen, is attached at one end to the rear end of the pawl h and at its other end to the arm The screw h" passes through the frame and is provided with a lock-nut h, the reduced end portion h of this screw being adapted toact as a guide for the rotary pawl h A somewhat similar device It is employed as a stopfor limiting theretraction' or back movement of the arm h when the magnet H is denergized. The other guide it for this rotary pawl consists, preferably, of a iece of metal pressed or otherwise given t e desired shape and adjustabl held in place by a screw h passing throng a slot formed therein-that is, adjustably secured to the frame A. It is desirable that this guide h" be capable of accurate and delicate adjustment, and for this purpose an adjusting-screw h is provided and arran ed in positlon to enga e the body portion 0% the said guide. As s own, the screw it is .provided with a small flange h, ada ted to engage a slot h in the said guide. Wlth this arrangement the screw it can be rotated its threaded socket in the frame and the guide h thereby adjusted in a horizontal plane, it being observed that the said guide is provided with a pair of ears or cheeks h, adapted to embrace the ortion of the frame upon which it is'mounte A spring h, having one end secured to the armature h and the other end notched and adapted to engage the T-shaped adjusting-piece h is employed for yieldingly holding the said armature away from the rotary magnet H. The tension of the said spring can be regulated by rotating the T-sha ed and threaded adjusting-piece h, the latter being screwed into the frame. In this way the pawl 71. is forced by the guide h" into engagement with the ratchet-teeth h each time the magnet H is energized. Furthermore, said stop or guide it serves as a means for holding the pawl firmly against the beveled forward surface of the next tooth when the end of the rotary step is reached and for' thus positivel locking the shaft against further and un ue r0- tary motion until the pawl is withdrawn and the magnet again energized. (See Fig. 6.) As will be seen, the magnet is not defe'nergized until after the pawl is engaged by the stop h", so that the rotary magnet continues to attract its armature until after the rotary step is completed. When this magnet is denergized, the spring h retracts the armature h, and thereby pulls the awl k a ainst the end of the guide v Whic latter t en forces the pawl out of engagement with the said ratchet-teeth. Consequently the alternate energizing and deejnergizing of this co-called rotary magnet H is accompanied by an alternate engagement of the rotar pawl with and disengagement from the sai rotary ratchet-teeth, resulting, of v ourse, in a rotary step-b step movement of the switch-shaft. In addition the armature h is provided with the interru ter arm h"; havin its end portion provicl ed with the lateraly-projecting lug h, as shownmore clearly in Fig. 12. The switch-springs h and h are normally in engagement with each other at theirends and 1 are secured in place to the frame by means of screws h and a bracket h and screws h. An intermediate spring h is provided and prevented from contacting with the spring h by means of insulation W. The upper spring h has a rojection h, which rests upon the interme iate spring h. The lower spring it has a contact portion It, which is normally in engagement with the spring It. When the magnet H is energized and its armature attracted, the rojection h first strikes the portion h of t e upper. spring and in so doing preserves the contact normally existing between this spring and the lower or outer spring h The movement of the armature continuing, the projection h then slips off from the portion h and onto the spring h, thus causing the electrical contact between the two springs to be broken. At

this juncture it Wlll be seen, as previously stated, that thecircuit through the rotary magnet is not broken until after'the rotary motion of the shaft has ceasedthat is, not until after the shaft has reached the end of the rotary step, where it is then locked against further movement by the rotary pawl and the stop h". This is for the reason that the circuit is not broken until after the interrupter-arm slips off from the upper spring and not until after the springs have sprung back against the end of said arm. In other words, the springs h and it do not separate until after the spring h strikes the end of the arm, and conse uently not until after the rotary motion 0 the shaft has ceased, for the rotary motion ceases at the instant the end of the arm slips off from the upper spring,

and the energizing-circuit then remains closed for that fraction of an instant during which the spring h is moving into engagement with the end of the interrupter-arm. When the magnet is deenergized and the armature released, the return movement of the arm it" causes the projection h to pass underneath the portion it, thus temporarily retaining the separation of the two switch springs that is, keeping the two springs se arated untilthe armature is fully restore to its normal osition. The armature h is also provided with a finger h, ada ted to'engage the armature h of the s'o-cal ed private magnet h. This private magnet is secured to a bracket h, which latter is in turn secured to the frameA by means of screws h. The said armature h is pivoted at h to the forward end of the horizontal portion of the said bracket h and is thereby adapted to vibrate about a horizontal axis. As shown, the armature h is provided with aforwardlyprojecting and horizontally-disposed arm h said arm having upper and lower fiat sprin s h and h ",'suitably secured thereto. It Wil be observed that the forward ends of these springs are provided with upper and lower ratchet-teeth h and h said upper and lower teeth being arranged opposite to each other and the upper teeth slightly out of register with the lower teeth, as shown more clearly in Figs. 7 to 11, inclusive. This arm h is also provided with a lateral rojection which carries a piece of insulation ada ted to engage between the switch-springs and it. These two switch-springs are, together with the third switch-s ring h, suitably mounted upon the top of t e bracket h, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The s rings h and h are normally in electrica contact with each other, while the third or lower s ring h is normally out of engagement with t e spring h, and these three springs, together with the interposed strips of insulation, are secured in place by means of screws h. With this arrangement the energizing of the private magnet will cause the separation of the springs h" and h and the engagement of the latter with the spring 71. Also, as will hereinafter more fully appear, the energizin of thesaid rotary magnet H will cause t e finger h to engage the armature of the private magnet, and thereby operate the arm h and the said switch-springs h h, and h in substantially the same manner that these parts are operated by the energizing of the said private magnet. Furthermore, the switch-spring it serves as the means for yieldinglyholding the armature h in its normal position and for retracting the armature to its normal position when the private magnet is deenergized or when the rotary magnet is denergized.

The so-callet side switch I is provided with a finger 'i, adapted to extend between the upper and lower springs h and h and to normally occupy the position shown in Fig. 4that is, in engagement with the inner tooth h. The said side switch is pivotally mounted at i and is thereby adapted to vibrate about a vertical axis. The side switch is at all times subject to the torsional or twisting tension of the spring if, the latter having its upper end suitably secured to the said side switch and its lower end secured to the key or tension-regulating device if. This device i is provided with a head or thumb piece i", adapted to engage any one of sev. eral pairs of notches i, formed in the lower portion of the frame A, as shown in Figs. 34 and 36. With this arrangement the said spring i can be twisted or wound up, so to speak, and retained in such position by causing the key or tension-regulating device 1' to engageany one of said pairs of notches, it being observed that the members of each pair of notches are arranged at opposite sides of the hole or o ening through which the key or tension-regu ating device extends. Consequently the said side switch tends normally to swing or turn about its axis and in a direction calculated to cause the finger i to escape from between the springs h and h. In

fact, the tension of the spring 11 is normally resisted by the inner toothh, the latter being the one with which the finger i normally enga es, and for this reason the said side switc can be given a step-by-ste releasing movement, so to speak, by simp y allowing itsfinger'i to esca e or move one step at a time. This is acc'omplis ed when the private magnet is energized or when the rotary magnet is en.-

ergize it being seen that the armature h when attracted causes the finger i to engage the inner tooth h", as shown in Fig. -7. After this and when the private magnet or the rotarymagnet is denergized the release of the armature h" brings the finger i into engagement with the point or top of the innertooth h, as shown in Fig. 8. In such condition the side switch is then ready to escape to the second position, as shown in Fig. 32, carryin the stop-lug 11 against the inneredge 'L 0% the cam 12 and the finger t nearly into ena ement with the outer tooth h as shown in ig. 9. The side switch being thus shifted, energizin -circuits are thereby establishedthro'ug the rotary magnet H, which will cause the shaft to be rotated so that the .cam I)" is carried out of engagement with the or projection '01, at wlnch time the fin er lls against the foremost tooth h he rotated position of the cam b is shown in Fig. 33. "Another vibration of the armature It" will bring, the said finger i into engagement with the to or point of the'outer tooth second h, 'asshown' in is again released,

agement with the stationary sto X, which atter is integralwith the guide In this way the ratchet-teeth carried by the fiat ig.1 10. When the armature t 'flexible springs h and h are adapted to op erate as a ste '-by-step device for releasing the side switc from its normal position to pgsition and then from second position to t rd position, as will farther on more fully appear. It is obvious that the finger-t can be restored to its normal position by any pressure tending to force it inwardly against the beveled edges of the said teeth and between the points of the latter, it being possible to thus restore the sideswitch to normal position, for the reason that the sprin s h and-h are adapted to yield suflicient y to At'least the s ring h 0111 the ermit such action. is adapted to flex and bend away arm h, as shown in Fig. 8. As stated, either the private mag-net or the rotary magnet can effect a depression of the arm h but in any event the retraction or restoration of the said arm to its normal or elevated position is effected by the switch-spring h". As illustrated, the said side switch is provided with four wipers t, i t, and i", as shown in Figs. 31 to '35, inclusive. These movable switch; arms or wipers are suitably secured to the portion i of the said side switch by means of screwsor bolts 11. It will be seen that the said sidee finger i escapes into endownwardly-projectin arm I). b is connected with the side switch, it will switch arms or wipers aresuitably insulated .from each other and are adapted to swing in Suitably secured to the frame A,

nective positions, all three wipl'ersbein normally in first position and t on sim 'ously assuming second position and finally third position, and this switching action has an im ortant bearing'onthe operation and useo the switching machinery as 'a whole during the time the same is being em loyed for making connection, as will more in ly apear. eased its movement is limited by reason of the lug i", which is rigid'with. the said side switch, being brought into en agement with the edge or projection i of the previously described c'amgb? as shown in- Fig. 32. As soon-as the shaft 1i rotates this cam is rotated away from the lug t, as shown in Fig. 33,

tane- The first time the side switch'is reand to such an extent that the final movementof the side'switch is limitedbythe'finger i being brought into engagement'with the stationary stop X. The movement of the side switch when it is restored to its normal position is limited by the lug or rOjectiOnt',

which is rigid with the side switch and which rod is adapted to strike the'front o'rtion of the 7 frame. As reviously state the double locking-do evice'eomprising the two locking-dogs and b is. provided with the This arm be seen, by meansof a link i, as shown more adapted to engage the lower T-shaped portion of the arm I), whereby the said-double locking-dog device can be retracted or disengaged from the ratchet-teeth on the shaft without causing an movement on the part of the side switch; ut when the side switch has been shifted to third position and-thesaid double locking-do device released or attracted it is obvious t at the sprin 2 then not only retracts the said locking-dogs, but

also restores the said side switch-to its normal osition. Of course when the said doufble coking-dog. device is retracted by the s ring f in response to the denergizin of the release-magnet F both the switch-s aft and the side switch are restored to their normal positions, the shaft being then free to rotate to its normal position under the influclearly in Fig. 37. It will be seen that this link is provided at its end with a notch.

ence of a clock-spring device at its upper end and to then fall to its normal level as soon as the groove or channel I)" again registers with the end of the su orting-dog b. In other words, the switcli-shaft is simply released andallowed to automatically restore itself, while the side switch is positively restored by the action of the armature-spring f The means for removably connecting the switchin machinery thus constructed with the trun -line extending thereto and with the various relay connections is as follows: A set of j ack-springs J is secured to the back of the stationary frame A, these springs being suitably insulated from each other and provided'with downwardly-'extendin terminals j, ada ted for making the usua solder or other li e connections with the different wires and conductors leadin to the diflerent magnets and other parts 0 the switchingmachine as awhole. As shown, these springs are nine in number, being arranged in groups of three, as shown in Fig. 24. The rack or support K for the switches is rovided with sets of jack-springs L, one set or each selector or other similar switch and each set consisting of as many springs as there are jacks rings in the set attached to the switch.

hese stationary jack-springs L are, it will be seen, provided with outer bifurcated end portions adapted to receive the strai ht outwardly-projecting end portions of t e jacksprings on'the switch. It will alsobe seen t at these stationaryjack-springs are pro vided at their rear ends with terminals Z, ada ted for making solder connections with the ins and other conductors leading to the switch. In this way the necessary circuit connections can be made b simply inserting the switch in place and wit out the necessity of soldering together any wires or other conductors. In other words, each switch, whether it be a selector or connector or other similar switch, can be simply inserted in place and removed therefrom without making or breaking any wire or solder connections, the switching-machine as a whole being provided with contacts adapted to engage switch-contacts on the frame for the purpose of completing the necessary circuits.

The relays M, N, O, and P, although not strictly a part of the switching-machine, can be mounted on to of the frame A, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, an 3. These relays are employed for controlling the local circuits of the different magnets involved in the construction of the switching-machine and may be mounted either on the switch structure or on a separate and independent support. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of relays can be changed or varied to suit the conditions of any particular case and according to the character of the system or circuit arrangement in which the switching-machine is employed asa selector or as a connector, as the case may be. The construction and mode of operation of these relays will hereinafter more fully-appear.

The switch or switching machine thus constructed can be wired up and employed in various connections and operated in various ways. In Fig. 54, however, we have illustrated one circuit arrangement for the different magnets and switch-contacts, &c.,- which circuit arrangement may be employed when the switching-machine is used as aselector. In this figure the circuits and switch-contacts are shown diagrammatically, while the stepb -step mechanism oractual operating mac inery of the switch is shown more or ess in perspective. At this juncture it may be stated that the frame A is desirably cast from non-magnetic material, such as brass, Franklin metal, or other suitable similar metal. i

In illustrating the circuitsofthe switching machine the previously described devices and parts'have been shown more or less diagrammatically and in a simplified manner for convenience of illustration. For example, in this figure no attem t has been made to illustrate the previous y-described non-magnetic frame, and the banks C and D have been shown as one bank, while the previously-described wipers c and d have been shown as a single wiper com osed of but two contacts, which are insulate from each other. Again, the previously-described flat springs for restorin the armatures and other operative parts ave been shown in Fig. 54 as sim- 1e coil-springs, and the release-magnet F as been shown as consisting of but a single coil, whereas in the description of the mechanical construction it has been shown and described as comprising two coils. It will be understood, however, that the mechanical construction indicated in Fig. 54 is preferably of the character set forth in the description of the preceding figures, and with such construction and with the circuit arrange ment shown the switchin -machine is 0 erated as follows: The so-ca led vertical ine conductor 1 leads to the vertical sideswitch wiper i, which latter normally engages the side-switch contact 2. The impu se or impulses transmitted by the subscriber to whom the switching-machine is allotted over the said vertical line conductor traverses a grounded circuit including this line conductor and side-switch wiper, the contact 2, the conductor 3, the vertical linerelay M, the conductor 4, the normally closed bridge cut-off contacts 5 and 6, the conductor 7, and the mutually engaging jackspringf of the switch and supporting-rack, and t ence to the non-grounded pole of the batter 8. The vertical line-relay M will then clbse a local circuit through the vertical magnet G as many times as is necessary in order to raise the switch shaft B to the desired level. This local circuit, it will be seen, in-

cludes the battery 8, the conductor 9, the mutually engaging jack-springs 10, the relaycontacts 11 and 12, the conductor 13, the normally closed contacts h and 7t, conductor 14, the vertical magnet G, conductors 15, 16, and 17 to the jack-springs 18, and thence to the non- 'ounded' pole of the battery. As previous y stated, the ener izing of the vertical magnet in this way re eases the two locking-dogs b and b, permitting the same to enga e their respective ratchetteeth, and it wilI be understood that the shaft is raised to the first, second, third, or fourth level, and so on, according to the number of distinct im ulses transmitted through the line-relay 1, and by the latter repeated in the local circuit includin the vertical magnet G. After this a sin %e impulse transmitted by the calling subscri er over the rotary line conductor 19 will result in the en ergizing of the private ma net It and in its deenergizing, as follows: e grounded line- 'circuit, including the rotary line conductor 19,

also includes the 'ack-springs 20 and the sideswitch-wiper t, t e contact 21, the conductor 22, the rotary line-relay N, the conductor 23, the contacts 24, 5, and 6, and the con- -ductor 7 and jack-springs 18, andthe final connection leadin to the non-grounded pole of the battery. he relay N when thus energized attracts its armature, and thereby closes a local circuit extending from the grounded pole of-the battery to the spring 11,

thence through the spring or contact 25 to the conductor 26, through the conductor 27 to the private magnet h throu h the conductors 28 and 17, and thence tIirough the j ack-springs 18 to the non-grounded pole of the battery. The energizing of the private magnet h and the deenergizing of the same as soon as the flow of current ceases causes the side switch to escape from first to second position in the manner previously described,

and it also causes the springs h and h to break contact and the spring h to make contact with spring it. As previously stated the spring h is sufiicient for restoring the armature h to its normal position; but in Fig. 54 a sprin 29 is shown connected with the arm h,

and t us adapted for insuring a restoration.

of the armature to itsnornially retracted position. The shifting of the side switch to second position causes the magnet-switching side-switch wiper t to engage the contact 30 and to thereby close a circuit extending from the grounded pole of the battery over the conductors 9 and 31 to said contact through the side-switch wiper i over the conductor 32 to the rotary magnet H, thence through the previously-described interrupter-springs h and h over the conductors 16 and 17 and through the jack springs 18 to the nongrounded pole of the battery. The energizlng of the rotary ma net in this manner causes it to give the sha t one rotary step and at the same time and through the medium of magnet to depress the arm h, and if the first contact in this particular level of the bankcontacts is not busy the armature of the private magnet will be released and the side switch thereby allowed to move from second to third position. Suppose, however, that the first private-bank contact in the level to which the switch-shaft has been elevated is connected with round by reason of the line to which it is a lotted having already been appropriated for use by some other subscriber. In such case the engagement ofthe private wiper e with the bank-contact characterized at such time by a guarding-potential will close a circuit from ground through said contact and the private wi er over the conductor 33 to the release-re ay P, over the conductor 34 to the side-switch wiper i through contact 35, over the conductor 27 to the rivate magnet h and thence over the con uctors 28 and 17 to the non-grounded pole of the battery. In this circuit the releaserelay P, as shown, is included, but-being in series with the private magnet h and the latter being of comparatively hi h resistance, usually of about three hundre and fifty or four hundred ohms, the magnetism developed at the relay P by the low current passing at the time is insuflicient to attract the armature thereof, and thus the said relay remains inactive; but the energizing of the private magnet h tends to keep 1ts armature attracted, and thereby prevents the side switch from escaping from second to third position. In other words, the rotary ma net in attracting itsarmature gives the sha t one rotary. step and at the same time puts the mechanism of the side switch in readiness to release the side switch from second to third position; but if the first rotary step thus 1ven the shaft results in the closing ofa circult through the private-shaft wiper and through the private magnet, as stated, the said private magnet will be thereby energized and will prevent the-side switch from o ening the circuit of the rotary magnet. In t 's way the rotary magnet Wlll continue to rotate the shaft until the private Wiper 6' en vate-bank contact corresponding to an idle trunk-line. As soon as this occurs the circuit from ground through the private wiper and ,the private magnet is broken and the side switch thereby allowed to escape to third position, causing the rotary magnet to cease operating. Obviously the vertical movement of the switch-shaft causes thenormalpost arm to release the sprin b from engagement with the spring 17 an permits the said spring to move into en agement with the upper s ring or contact This of course opens t e circuit at this point through the bridge-cut-ofi relay 0 and closes a circuit 4 is, to the grounded pole of the battery.

from the private normal 36 through the jack-springs 37 and the conductor 38 to the said intermediate spring I), through the contact I), through conductors 39 and 40 to the jack-springs'10, and thence to ground-that In this way e private normal 36,which is connected with all connector-terminals corresponding to the calling subscribers line, is connected with the grounded pole of the battery and a guarding-potential thereby established at all of said terminals. It will also be seen that the private wiper e, as soon as it rests on a non-busy contact, establishes a guarding-potential at all multiples of such contact. This is for the reason that when the side switch is thrown to third position a circuit is established from the grounded pole of the battery over the conductors 9,40, 31, contact 41, side-switch arm t conductor 34, relay P, conductor 42, and private wiper e to the contact which it is in engagement with, and thence through the connections to all multiples of such contact. In this way the operation of the selector to a connective position that is, to a position where its shaft-wipers make connection with a non-busy trunkline-is accompanied by the setting up of a guarding-potential at all terminals connected with the callin subscribers line and also at all multiples o the trunk-line selected, and consequently both lines are thus rotected against seizure by other parties. t will be understood that one hundred, or substantially one hundred, trunk-lines extend from the one hundred line-terminals in the two line-banks of the switch, each terminal being multipled with all other terminals connected with the same trunk-line in other selectors. In a similar way all private-bank contacts allotted to a certain trunk-line in different selectors are multipled together for the purpose described. When the side switc is 'thrown to third position, the side-switch line-wipers i and i engage the contacts 43 and 44, which latter are connected, respectively, with the vertical and rotary linewipers 45 and 46, or with two vertical lineivipers and two rotary line-wipers, if the construction is of the character described in connection with the previous figures of the drawings. It will be seen, however, that b the provision of the contacts 47 and 48, which are connected. r spectively, with the contacts 2 and 21, the subscribers line is not electrically connected with the line-wipers until the side switch shifts to third position. The shifting of the side switch from second to third position has a further function in this respect, that it automatically cuts off the bridge normally existing across the callingsubscribers line and containing the two linerelays M and N. With this arrangement the normally bridged coils of the line-relays are cut off or opened up as soon as the side switch shifts from second to third position, thus removing a bridge which might, if left across the circuit during subsequent opera tions, interfere to some extent with the desired results and efficiency of the system. After the switch has been brought to a condition of rest at the position-necessary for making the desired connection and after the subscribers have finished talking, for example, it can then be released by energizing the release-magnet F. Any suitable arrangement can be emplo ed for energizing this releasemagnet F. or example, a simultaneous energizing of the "two relays M and N will, of course, result in the energizing of the private magnet h in the manner already described.

In this case, however, the energizing of the private magnet separates the springs h and h, thereby opening the circuit of the vertical magnet G, and thus preventing the latter from actuating the vertical step by step mechanism. In addition the energizing of the private-magnet closes contact between the springs h and h, and thus brings about the closure of a local circuit extending from the non-grounded ole of the battery to the release-magnet F, t once over the conductors 49 and 50, through the springs h and it, over the conductor 51, through the spring 12, through the spring 11, to the jack-springs 10, and thence over the conductor 9 to the grounded pole of the batter It'will be seen that the energizing of the inc-relays in this manner and for this purpose is possible when the side switch is in second position and in case it is desired to release the switch before the side switch has moved to third position.

After the switching-machine has made the desired connection and the subscribers have finished their conversation the release-magnet F can thenhave its local circuit closed by means of the release relay P. It will be readily understood that any suitable circuit arrangement can be employed for energizing the release-relay Rand when this release-relay is energized its armature closes the normally separated contacts 52 and 53, thereby completing a local circuit from the non-grounded pole of the battery over the conductors 17 and 16 to the release-magnet F, thence over conductors 49 and 54, through the springs 52 and 53, and thence over the conductor 55 tothe jack-springs 10 and over the conductor 9 to the grounded pole of the battery. In this way the release-magnet F has two local energizmg-circuits, one controlledby the switchsprings of the private magnet and of the linerelays and the other controlled simply at one IIO point by the switch-springs of the releaserelay P. The finger h of the rotar -magnet armature it serves to prevent tfle side switch from shifting to third position before the rotary. motion of the shaft is completed, as previously explained.

As previously stated, the circuits can be 

